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Postdoctoral Fellow
Postdoctoral Scholar – Dendritic Cell Biology & Reprogramming, UCSD Full-time
The Idoyaga Laboratory at the University of California, San Diego is seeking a highly motivated postdoctoral scholar to investigate mechanisms of cellular identity and plasticity in the immune system. Understanding how cells maintain or change their identity is a central problem in biology, with implications for development, immune function, and cellular reprogramming. This is a two-year postdoctoral position supporting discovery-driven research at the interface of immunology, genomics, and systems biology.
Research Focus:
Our laboratory investigates the mechanisms by which dendritic cells initiate and modulate immune responses. Within this framework, we study how cellular identity is established, maintained, and reprogrammed during homeostasis and inflammation.
By uncovering the regulatory principles that govern dendritic cell identity, this work aims to define fundamental mechanisms of cellular stability and plasticity, with broad implications for how immune responses are controlled.
The successful candidate will work on projects broadly related to:
- Transcriptional and epigenetic regulation of dendritic cell identity
- Cellular plasticity and reprogramming in the immune system
- Functional and molecular characterization of dendritic cell states
The position will involve a combination of experimental and computational approaches tailored to the candidate’s expertise.
Qualifications:
We are seeking candidates with strong training in one or more of the following areas:
- Immunology, molecular biology, or cell biology
- Functional genomics or epigenomics
- Single-cell genomics (e.g., scRNA-seq, ATAC-seq)
- CRISPR-based perturbation approaches (e.g., CRISPR screening, CRISPRi/a)
- Computational biology or quantitative analysis of high-dimensional datasets
Required:
- Ph.D. in a relevant field (or expected by start date).
- Demonstrated research productivity (e.g., publications or preprints)
- Strong interest in fundamental mechanisms of cell identity
This fellowship is intended to support early-stage postdoctoral scholars; candidates transitioning directly from their Ph.D. or within the first 1-2 years of their postdoctoral training are especially encouraged to apply.
Preferred:
- Prior experience with dendritic cells or immune cell biology
- Experience with CRISPR or single-cell technologies
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a multidisciplinary environment
Candidates with prior experience in CRISPR-based functional genomics are especially encouraged to apply.
Environment and Training:
UC San Diego provides a highly collaborative and interdisciplinary environment with access to state-of-the-art genomics, single-cell, and computational biology resources. The Idoyaga laboratory has a strong track record of impactful research in dendritic cell biology.
The postdoctoral scholar will receive:
- Mentorship and support toward scientific independence
- Support for fellowship and career development applications
- Opportunities to develop independent research directions
- Opportunities to present at national and international conferences
Application Details:
To apply, please submit the following materials:
- CV
- Cover letter describing research interests and experience
- Contact information for 2-3 references (letters will be requested at a later stage)
Priority deadline: May 15, 2026. Applications received by this date will receive full consideration. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis thereafter until the position is filled.
Anticipated start date: June 2026 (flexible).
Funding Acknowledgment:
This Natural Sciences Postdoctoral Fellowship is funded by the Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation.
Equal Opportunity Statement:
UC San Diego is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer and values diversity in the academic community.